DAME DE MONTROSE

A gorgeous second wine, the 2016 La Dame de Montrose is incredibly expressive today. Supple, radiant and inviting, La Dame has all the potential to be an overachiever in this vintage. Today, it is quite open, and, even more importantly, flat-out delicious. In some moments, La Dame is rather nuanced, while at other times it is a bit more potent. It will be interesting to see what aging in bottle brings, but one thing is certain; the 2016 La Dame is a stellar wine. Don't miss it. Drinking range: 2022 - 2036 Rating: 93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jan 2019)

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. It is often a difficult Deuxième Vin to taste en primeur, and it often meliorates considerably during its élevage. Here, the aromatics took some time to coalesce in the glass: blackberry, graphite and a noticeable oyster shell aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth, grainy in texture with very fine balance towards the finish where the quality of the vintage showed through. Doubtless those aromatics will improve and gain harmony by the time it is in bottle, and indeed, when I returned for a second visit I discerned a little more finesse and prettiness on the finish. This is a delightful La Dame. Tasted twice. Drinking range: 2021 - 2035 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2017)

52% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. This has absorbed all the Petit Verdot in 2016. Exceptionally deep blackish crimson. Not especially expressive on the nose but really deep and intense on the palate Very dense for a second wine but with a good raciness and energy. Rather elegant and flattering without resorting to sweetness. Quite cool on the end. Lighter and less dense than the grand vin. Drinking range: 2024 - 2039 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2017)

A linear and fine rendition of Montrose’s second wine with blueberry and blackberry character. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a juicy finish. Structured. Racy. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2017)

A little subdued right now but the fresh, floral edging of the grand vin is also clear here, balanced by juicy black fruit flavours and a similar sense of restraint. The blend of 52% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc represents 42% of the estate's production. Drinking range: 2024 - 2035 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2017)

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose is plump, juicy and seductive from the very first taste. Bright floral notes give the wine lovely aromatic expansiveness. Sweet red cherry, plum, pomegranate and sweet spice notes are all pushed forward. In many vintages, La Dame is a smaller-scale version of the Grand Vin, but in 2016 it is almost unusually polished and sensual, an impression that is enhanced by voluptuous, almost opulent fruit and ripe, silky tannins. In 2016, La Dame is also dominated by Merlot, which no doubt contributes to its personality. Rating: 89-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2017)

As you’d expect from the second wine of Montrose in a top year like 2016, this is a muscular, sinewy, densely constructed wine with lots of smoky, aromatic oak, damson and blueberry fruit and layered, compact tannins. Needs time. Drinking range: 2025 - 2036 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2017)

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose has a backward, surly bouquet that demands coaxing from the glass. Black fruit intermixes with pencil lead and light mint aromas, but it is certainly tightly wound. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Cohesive, if missing that killer blow on the finish. Given past performances, this might have just closed up a bit. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drinking range: 2023 - 2036 Rating: 91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Dec 1899)